Art Coursework: How to Keep on Top

Many students experience that preparing for GCSE or A-levels in Art and Design can be quite stressful. Getting through a mountain of course work or completing a sketchbook before the deadline can lead to many late nights.

Here are a few tips on how to keep on top:

• Always keep a visual diary, doesn’t matter how messy it gets. You can always take it apart later and use selected items to fill your sketchbook.
• Note any thoughts or inspirations related to the topic of your course work - even in the widest context. (You can write them down on anything that is in your reach or record them on your phone or i-pod)
• Keep your doodles and keep doodling- you might need them later.
• Take photos of anything you regard as beautiful or inspirational.
• Look at arts and crafts in galleries and museums and find out for yourself what inspires and up-lifts you.
• Presentation is important if you want to impress the examiners. Make sure your writing is readable and visually pleasing. Make your points clear so it is easy to follow your flow of research, inspirations and conclusions. There should be a good balance of artwork exploring a range of techniques and written work.
• Ask your friends and family for honest feedback. This will help you to understand how your work comes across. Find out if they actually understand what you are trying to say through your work.                                                          

Your artwork is a visual dialog between your inner self and the world around you.

If you look at a beautiful vibrant world around you your work will reflect this.

It’s your choice what you are looking at, no matter where you are.